India receives double whammy from Interpol over Zakir Naik
PUCHONG: In a double whammy blow to the Indian government, the Interpol Commission not only rejected its red notice application, but also ruled that the information on Indian Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik should be deleted from Interpol’s system.
In a letter issued by Interpol dated 22 July sighted by The Leaders Online, the international body stated that the issue of non-compliance of law did not arise.
“After a thorough examination of the elements before it, the commission found that the data challenged raised questions as to compliance with applicable rules.
“As a result, it considered that the retention of these data in the Interpol Information System was not compliant with Interpol’s rules and decided they should be deleted.”
“Please be advised that the Interpol General Secretariat has informed all of its national central bureaus (NCBs) that it has deleted the data (charges) relating to your client.
“All international police cooperation via Interpol’s channels in this case would not be in conformity with Interpol’s rules.”
“The decision of the commission concerning your client and an official letter from the Interpol General Secretariat, certifying that he (Zakir) is not subject to an Interpol Red Notice or Diffussion” added the letter.
The decision was taken by the Interpol’s Commission in its 109th session held on 01 to 05 July 2019.
This is the third time India applied through the Interpol and failed.
Zakir was facing charges for promoting enmity between two different religious groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony, being a member of unlawful association
The preacher’s organization, Islamic Research Foundation was banned in Nov 2016 by India.
Subsequently New Delhi also charged Zakir for money laundering and terrorism.
Zakir currently resides in Putrajaya and the recipient of Tokoh Maal Hijrah award in 2013.
He has also received awards from Saudi Arabia and UAE for his preaching activities world wide.
Read Also: India formally requests Malaysia to extradite Zakir Naik
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